HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-06-16 EDCCall To Order
Approval Of The Agenda
Minutes
December 2, 2015
12 -02 -15 EDC MINUTES.PDF
Unfinished And New Business
Business Retention And Expansion Report
MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT.PDF
2016 EDC Work Plan
MEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT.PDF
New Business Update
MEMO.PDF
Newsletter Topics
MEMO.PDF
Updates
Rice Creek Commons Update
MEMO.PDF
Commission Members
Council Liaison
Staff Comments
Adjourn
ADJOURN
A quorum of the City Council may be
present at this meeting.
Chair:
Steve Heikkila
Commissioners:
Dan Erickson
Michael Hands
Liz Johnson
Kyle Lassen
David Radziej
Ed von Holtum
Vacant
Vacant
Council Liaison:
Brenda Holden
Economic Development
Commission
January 6, 2016
8:00 am to 9:30 am
City Hall
Address:
1245 W Highway 96
Arden Hills MN 55112
Phone:
651 -792 -7800
Website :
www.cityofardenhills.org
City Vision
Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting,
strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained
infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirable
City in which to live, work, and play.
Agenda
CALL TO ORDER
1.
2.
3.
3.A.
Documents:
4.
4.A.
Documents:
4.B.
Documents:
4.C.
Documents:
4.D.
Documents:
5.
5.A.
Documents:
5.B.
5.C.
5.D.
6.
Call To OrderApproval Of The AgendaMinutesDecember 2, 201512 -02 -15 EDC MINUTES.PDFUnfinished And New BusinessBusiness Retention And Expansion ReportMEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT.PDF2016 EDC Work PlanMEMO.PDF, ATTACHMENT.PDFNew Business UpdateMEMO.PDF
Newsletter Topics
MEMO.PDF
Updates
Rice Creek Commons Update
MEMO.PDF
Commission Members
Council Liaison
Staff Comments
Adjourn
ADJOURN
A quorum of the City Council may be
present at this meeting.
Chair:Steve Heikkila Commissioners:Dan EricksonMichael HandsLiz JohnsonKyle LassenDavid RadziejEd von Holtum VacantVacantCouncil Liaison:Brenda Holden Economic Development Commission January 6, 2016 8:00 am to 9:30 am City Hall Address:1245 W Highway 96 Arden Hills MN 55112 Phone:651 -792 -7800 Website : www.cityofardenhills.org City VisionArden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long -standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play. AgendaCALL TO ORDER1.2.3.3.A.Documents:4.4.A.Documents:4.B.Documents:4.C.Documents:
4.D.
Documents:
5.
5.A.
Documents:
5.B.
5.C.
5.D.
6.
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
DECEMBER 2, 2015 8:00 AM
CITY HALL -- 1245 WEST HIGHWAY 96
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Heikkila at 8:10 a.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Steve Heikkila and Commissioners Ed von Holtum, Dan Erickson, and Liz
Johnson.
Also Present: Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; Associate Planner Matthew
Bachler; and Deputy Clerk Julie Hanson.
Chair Heikkila welcomed new EDC Commissioner Liz Johnson and introductions were made.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner von Holtum moved to accept the agenda and it was the consensus of the
Commission to accept said agenda.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chair Heikkila suggested adding to the minutes Deputy Clerk Julie Hanson’s name to those who
were present at the last meeting. The minutes were so amended and it was the consensus of the
Commission to accept the October 7, 2015 meeting minutes.
3. UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS
A. 2015 Annual Report
Chair Heikkila noted the date referenced in the memorandum regarding the Commission’s
approval of the 2015 EDC Work plan should be December 3, 2014, and not December 3, 2015. He
asked if anyone had any comments or changes to the Annual Report.
Chair Heikkila asked about the recommendations to the City Council for preferred locations for
gateway signage that was discussed earlier this year.
EDC Minutes
December 2, 2015
Page 2 of 5
Commissioner von Holtum stated that about two years ago the group discussed gateway signage
and that city maps were referenced to determine potential locations. He also stated he recalled a
brief discussion taking place again this past spring 2015.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the minutes from the spring of 2015
would be checked and that the information that was discussed pertaining to gateway signage could
be added to the 2015 Annual Report.
Chair Heikkila asked about the Leaders in Local Government Award that the City received from
the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce for the Business Retention and Expansion program
(BRE).
Community Development Director Hutmacher showed the award to the Commissioners. She
stated that the Award Selection Committee felt the work the City had done was very good. She
and Associate Planner Bachler thanked the EDC and stated this was a group effort between City
staff, the EDC and EDA, and community volunteers.
MOTION: Commissioner von Holtum moved and Commissioner Erickson seconded a
motion to accept the 2015 Annual Report. The motion carried unanimously (4-
0).
B. 2016 EDC Work Plan
Chair Heikkila noted there are items on the 2016 Work Plan that are related to the BRE
program’s outcome, and he asked if the report would be ready in January.
Associate Planner Bachler stated that SPACC is on track to provide a draft of the report to the
EDC at their January meeting. He referenced item 2.c. Work with the EDA to identify and
complete action items. He said the report will include the SPACC’s findings and it will offer
initial recommendations for next steps. The EDC will have the opportunity to review the report in
January and subsequently the report will be presented to the Economic Development Authority
(EDA) at their January 25, 2016, meeting.
Commissioner Erickson asked if there is a plan to formalize lines of communication between the
EDA and the EDC.
Commissioner von Holtum asked how often the EDA meets.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the EDA generally meets quarterly. She
explained that the EDA is basically the City Council but with different authority under State
Statute than a City Council.
A discussion ensued regarding the EDA’s role and responsibilities as they pertain to Economic
Development.
EDC Minutes
December 2, 2015
Page 3 of 5
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that when it comes to the BRE program,
the EDC may need to tweak its Work Plan recommendations before presenting them to the EDA.
She stated the EDC may be tasked to work on certain items.
Commissioner von Holtum asked about other City Council priorities such as TCAAP, filling the
vacant Council seat, the vacant City Administrator position and the vacant Public Works Director
position.
Community Development Director stated the City Council does have a lot on their plate. She
said that the EDC’s 2015 accomplishments are impressive despite that a large amount of
Community Development staff time was spent on TCAAP.
Commissioner Erickson suggested that the EDC reassess the 2016 Work Plan goals once the
BRE report is received.
Commissioner Erickson referenced item 4.a. Work with the Newsletter Committee on business-
focused articles. He asked if the EDC would submit business articles for publication in 2016.
Community Development Director Hutmacher suggested that going forward, instead of the
EDC writing articles, that they submit suggestions/ideas to the Communications Committee for
the newsletters.
A discussion ensued regarding the City newsletters and the process for handling the newsletter
articles in 2016.
Commissioner Erickson referenced item 4.c. Track and visit new businesses. He asked if there is
a way to determine which new businesses have opened in Arden Hills.
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that she has spoken to Dave Scherbel, the
Building Official, about tracking new businesses based on the assumption that most new
businesses will eventually pull a permit of some type.
A discussion ensued regarding how to create and maintain a current list of businesses in the city
and also the EDC’s role regarding outreach to the new businesses.
Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that communities along Highway 96,
potentially Arden Hills, Shoreview, North Oaks, and Vadnais Heights, are collaborating on a
series of small business workshops. The workshops are intended to take the place of the now-
defunct Shoreview-Arden Hills Business Council.
Commissioner Erickson agreed that while the larger businesses such as Land O’ Lakes and
Boston Scientific do not attend this type of event, they may be interested in being a sponsor. He
said Deluxe does small business outreach and that they may be interested in being involved in this
type of event.
A discussion ensued about the EDC’s role regarding this type of collaboration and outreach effort.
EDC Minutes
December 2, 2015
Page 4 of 5
Commissioner Johnson stated that another option is to reach out to property managers of the
various buildings. She said that providing information to these managers is important so that they
can in turn provide the information to new businesses.
Chair Heikkila asked about TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons. He said comments were made at the
State of the City event pertaining to concerns about the integration of the TCAAP area with
adjacent neighborhoods. He asked if TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons should be addressed in the
Work Plan.
Community Development Director Hutmacher said in 2016 it was expected that the County
Road H interchange would be reconstructed. She stated that construction of the Spine Road and
trunk utilities would not take place until 2017 and it is expected that the JDA will issue a
solicitation for a master developer in 2016.
Commissioner Johnson left the meeting at 8:48 am.
A discussion ensued regarding the TCAAP redevelopment timeline.
Commissioner Erickson asked if it would make sense to identify and reach out to any businesses
in 2016 that may be impacted by the TCAAP infrastructure development.
A discussion ensued about tabling approval of the Work Plan versus approving a draft of the Work
Plan pending the receipt of the BRE report.
The EDC members stated they were satisfied with the Work Plan as written and agreed to table
approval of the Work Plan until January 2016 when the BRE report was available.
4. UPDATES
A. Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP Update
Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the Metropolitan Council approved the
City’s TCAAP Comprehensive Plan Amendment on October 28, 2015. She said that Ramsey
County announced the demolition and remediation project is complete and the site has been
cleared to residential standard. She referenced an article from Finance and Commerce dated
November 16, 2015.
Commissioner Erickson asked about the density issue as it pertains to the City’s recommendation
and the County’s recommendation.
A discussion ensued about the density of the TCAAP development.
Commissioner von Holtum asked what the role is of the Metropolitan Council.
A discussion ensued about the function of the Metropolitan Council pertaining to sewer (Inflow
and Infiltration), transit, densities, regional parks, and affordable housing.
EDC Minutes
December 2, 2015
Page 5 of 5
B. Commission Members
Chair Heikkila stated that his company is moving from Arden Hills to Fridley by the end of
January 2016 and since he is not an Arden Hills resident and his company will no longer be
located in Arden Hills, he will resign from the EDC. He will submit a formal letter of resignation
and a new EDC Chair will be sought.
Community Development Director Hutmacher outlined the process for appointing a new EDC
Chair.
C. Council Liaison
None.
D. Staff Comments
None.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Commissioner von Holtum moved and Commissioner Erickson seconded a
motion to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously (3-0)
Chair Steve Heikkila adjourned the meeting at 9:15 a.m.
__________________________ __________________________ _
Steve Heikkila, Chair Jill Hutmacher
Community Development Director
City of Arden Hills
Economic Development Commission January 6, 2016
Page 1 of 1
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 6, 2016 EDC Agenda Item 4.A
TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners
FROM: Matthew Bachler, Associate Planner
SUBJECT: Business Retention and Expansion Program Report
Requested Action
Review the draft Business Retention and Expansion Report from the Saint Paul Area Chamber of
Commerce (SPACC) and provide comments.
Discussion
The Economic Development Commission has been working with SPACC on a Business
Retention and Expansion (BRE) program since January 2015. A total of 24 local businesses were
visited as part of the program, and SPACC has completed an analysis of the business survey
results. These results along with a program overview and profile of the Arden Hills business
community are provided in the attached draft BRE Report. SPACC will be presenting the final
BRE Report to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) at their meeting on January 25,
2016.
City staff has reviewed the draft BRE Report and will be working with SPACC on revisions
prior to the presentation of the report to the EDA. Specifically, staff will be recommending
changes to the overall organization of the report and requesting that SPACC provide a
recommendations section that identifies priority projects the City should consider based on their
business survey analysis. The EDC is asked to provide additional comments on the report.
Attachments
Draft Business Retention and Expansion Report
2
Business Retention & Expansion Program Report
3
Contents
BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION PROGRAM BACKGROUND ............................................................ 4
Importance of Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) ....................................................................... 4
Program Objectives ................................................................................................................................... 4
Program Sponsors ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Program Organization and Leadership ..................................................................................................... 4
Program Participants ................................................................................................................................ 5
Business Selection ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Targeted Business List ............................................................................................................................... 6
Businesses Visited ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Survey Analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 8
BUSINESS COMMUNITY PROFILE IN RAMSEY COUNTY AND ARDEN HILLS .................................................. 9
Major Employers in Arden Hills ................................................................................................................ 9
Arden Hills Employment by Industry ........................................................................................................ 9
Employee Inflow-Outflow, Arden Hills.................................................................................................... 10
Employee Migration, Arden Hills ............................................................................................................ 11
Ramsey County Employment by Industry ............................................................................................... 11
BR&E SURVEY RESULTS ............................................................................................................................... 13
Key Findings ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Visit Survey .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Follow-up Survey ................................................................................................................................. 13
Visit Survey Results ................................................................................................................................. 14
What We Heard ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Results, Follow-up Survey ....................................................................................................................... 22
CONTACT INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................ 25
APPENDIX A – BR&E SURVEY REPORTING FORM........................................................................................ 26
APPENDIX B – FOLLOW-UP SURVEY REPORTING FORM ............................................................................. 33
APPENDIX C – SMART GROWTH AMERICA SUPPLEMENTAL ASSESSMENT ................................................ 35
4
BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION PROGRAM BACKGROUND
The Economic Development Commission (EDC) Work Plan for 2014 included completing research on
Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) programs presenting recommendation to the Economic
Development Authority (EDA) to gauge interest in developing a formal program. City staff and the EDC
discussed the role of a BR&E program in the context of the City’s economic development goals and how
this type of program should be structured to ensure successful outcomes.
City staff attended training offered by the University of Minnesota Extension and met with several
communities to discuss their BR&E programs. On October 1, 2014 the EDC reviewed programs offered
by the University of Minnesota Extension and the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC). The
EDC provided a recommendation to the EDA to enter into an agreement with SPACC. On January 26,
2015 the EDA approved the BRE program.
Importance of Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E)
Retaining and facilitating the expansion of existing businesses is an important component of any city’s
strategic plan for economic development. Studies have shown that as much as 80 percent of new jobs
created are by existing businesses rather than by new businesses attracted to a community. With the
increasing scarcity of resources at the local level, focusing on the growth of existing businesses can be
more efficient than enticing a new business to move into a community with public financing
commitments or other public subsidies.
Program Objectives
Business Retention and Expansion programs set out to achieve a multitude of goals. Some of the goals
identified by the City of Arden Hills include:
Demonstrate to businesses that the community appreciates their presence
Help existing businesses solve immediate problems
Increase businesses’ ability to compete in regional, national, and global markets
Establish a strategic plan for economic development
Build community capacity to sustain growth and development over the long term
Program Sponsors
The City of Arden Hills Business Retention and Expansion program was sponsored by the Economic
Development Authority at the recommendation of the Economic Development Commission.
Program Organization and Leadership
Launching a Business Retention and Expansion program in a community takes a great deal of
organization and leadership. City staff played a key role in identifying businesses to be visited,
coordinating with the EDC, and executing BR&E visits.
Matthew Bachler, Associate Planner, was the overall leader of the Arden Hills BR&E program.
5
Program Participants
Kyle Blassen
Dan Erickson
Michael Hands
Steve Heikkila
Jim Huninghake
Jim Ostlund
David Radziej
Roberta Thompson
Ed von Holtum
Clayton Zimmerman
SPACC Staff
Business Selection
Participants in the BR&E Program visited 24 businesses.
Recognizing that there is not the capacity to visit every business in the community, a strategy was
developed to prioritize visits with the intent of gathering data and building relationships with companies
that are poised for growth. Using the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic
Development (DEED) Quarterly Census on Employment and Wages we identified the 289 companies in
the City of Arden Hills by industry type (NAICS Code). We then compiled quarterly job growth data to
identify the industry types that are experiencing the highest growth and flagged businesses within those
industries as priority visits.
In addition to leveraging localized industry sector growth, we layered the “Key Industries,” as defined by
Greater MSP and flagged businesses that are in that sector, regardless of growth, as priority visits.
Key Industries as defined by Greater MSP:
Headquarters & Business Services
Agriculture & Water Technology
Health & Life Sciences
Innovation & Technology
Financial Services
Lastly, we recognized the importance of “Legacy” businesses that may not be flagged as a candidate for
a BR&E visit based on industry growth or sector strength. Working with city staff and the EDC we
incorporated some of these businesses into the program to round out our targeted list of companies to
visit.
6
Targeted Business List
Business Name Sector Category
Acela IT Solutions Inc Professional & Business Services IT Consulting
Adherent Laboratories Professional & Business Services Adhesive Laboratory and Consulting
Adobe Systems Manufacturing Publishers - Computer Software
Aerotek Staffing Agency Professional & Business Services Temporary Staffing Agency
Anderson Niebuhr & Associates Professional & Business Services Market Research Consulting
Apache Group Distribution Paper and Consumer Plastics
Asdco Construction Construction Materials Supply
Boston Scientific Manufacturing Medical Equipment & Supplies
Brausen Automotive Services Services & Retail Automotive Repair & Gas Station
Cardno ATC Professional & Business Services Environmental Consultant Services
Catholic United Financial Professional & Business Services Financial Services
Delkor Manufacturing Food Processing Equipment
Flaherty's Arden Bowl Entertainment Bowling Center/Restaurant
Frandsen Financial Corporation Professional & Business Services Banking and Financial Services
Galil Medical Inc Manufacturing Cryotherapy and Cryosurgery Equipment
Gradient Financial Professional & Business Services Financial Services
Grainger Distribution Tools and Equipment
Grotto Foundation Educational & Health Services Nonprofit - ECE and Native Languages
Health Partners Educational & Health Services Health Clinic
Hood Packaging Manufacturing Packaging Products
Innovative Special Education
Services Educational & Health Services Services to Charter Schools
International Paper Manufacturing Paper Products
IntriCon Manufacturing Body-worn Devices
Kelly Services Professional & Business Services Temporary Staffing Agency
Laird Plastics Manufacturing Plastics Fabricating & Finishing
Land O'Lakes Manufacturing Farm Products - Raw Materials
Leggette Brashears & Graham Professional & Business Services Environmental Engineering Consultants
Lindey's Steak House Entertainment Restaurant
Lorton Data Inc Professional & Business Services Marketing
Nott Company Manufacturing Industrial Products & Rubber Fabrication
Now Bike & Fitness Retail Bicycles
Oziama Company Inc Distribution Cargill Products
Pace Industries Manufacturing Alumimum Die Casting
Powder Technology Inc Manufacturing Particle Processing
Resolution Graphics Professional & Business Services Printing
Siemens Industry Inc Professional & Business Services Water Treatment Equipment & Supplies
Spedco Professional & Business Services SBA 504 Lendor
Split Rock Studio Professional & Business Services Exhibit Design & Fabrication
Staples Distribution Office Supplies
7
Streamworks/New Era
Incentives Professional & Business Services Marketing
Team Informatics Inc Professional & Business Services IT Consulting
Therarising Inc Professional & Business Services Workplace Conflict Resolution
Top Case Manufacturing Custom Cases
Ulteig Engineers Inc Professional & Business Services Civil Engineering & Survey Consulting
UTC Fire and Security Manufacturing Security Equipment & Systems
Venture Solutions Inc Professional & Business Services Compliance Communications
Walgreens Retail Health Care Goods & Services
Wilkerson Guthman Professional & Business Services Accounting & Financial Services
8
Businesses Visited
Completed Visits Declined Visits No Reponse
Acela IT Solutions Delkor Adherent Laboratories
Aerotek Grainger Cardno ATC
Anderson Niebuhr & Associates IntriCon Galil Medical
Boston Scientific Nott Company
Catholic United Foundation Oziama Company
Flaherty's Pace Industries
Frandsen Financial Corporation Resolution Graphics
Grotto Foundation Siemens Industry
HealthPartners Top Case
Indigo Education
International Paper
Kelly Services
Laird Plastics
Land O' Lakes
Leggette Brashears & Graham
Lorton Data
Powder Technology
Spedco
Split Rock Studio
Therarising
Ulteig Engineers
UTC Fire and Security
Venture Solutions
Wilkerson Guthman
Survey Analysis
Survey data, both from visits and follow-up reporting forms, was aggregated and is presented by data
set to maintain anonymity of the companies that were visited. Narrative data and key findings are
presented in this report as well and are the product of visits and analysis of the data by a team of
economic development experts. A supplemental assessment of the data was done by the national
consulting firm, Smart Growth America.
9
BUSINESS COMMUNITY PROFILE IN RAMSEY COUNTY AND ARDEN HILLS
The City of Arden Hills has a strong existing base of businesses and is home to many large employers
including Boston Scientific, Land O’ Lakes and Bethel University. The City has the unique distinction of
being a net importer of jobs that are spread across many industry sectors. Major industry sectors
include Manufacturing, Information and Educational Services.
Major Employers in Arden Hills
Arden Hills Employment by Industry
NAICS Industry
Title
Q2, 2015 Data 2013-2015 2010-2015
Number
of Firms
Number
of Jobs
Avg.
Weekly
Wages
Numeric
Change
in Jobs
Percent
Change
in Jobs
Numeric
Change
in Jobs
Percent
Change in
Jobs
Total, All
Industries 293 11,835 $1,234 -14 -0.12% -585 -4.94%
Manufacturing 26 3,646 $1,575 8 0.22% -409 -11.22%
Administrative and
Support and
Waste
Management and
Remediation
Services
19 2,136 $649 -488 -22.85% 266 12.45%
Management of
Companies and
Enterprises
6 1,266 $1,844 299 23.62% 1266 100.00%
Finance and
Insurance 29 568 $1,431 -39 -6.87% -212 -37.32%
Professional,
Scientific, and
Technical Services
52 543 $1,342 164 30.20% 543 100.00%
Retail Trade 20 407 $743 37 9.09% 407 100.00%
Information 7 250 $3,261 -63 -25.20% -139 -55.60%
Public
Administration 7 191 $1,023 -7 -3.66% 59 30.89%
10
Other Services
(except Public
Administration)
29 121 $602 8 6.61% 34 28.10%
Construction 12 40 $1,021 -7 -17.50% -46 -115.00%
Real Estate and
Rental and Leasing 14 24 $581 0 0.00% -3 -12.50%
Arts,
Entertainment,
and Recreation
N/A N/A N/A 0 N/A -11 N/A
Accommodation
and Food Services N/A N/A N/A 0 N/A -383 N/A
Wholesale Trade N/A N/A N/A 0 N/A -701 N/A
Employee Inflow-Outflow, Arden Hills
Inflow/Outflow
Employed in Arden Hills 12644
Employed in Arden Hills but Living Outside 12392
Employed and Living in Arden Hills 252
11
Employee Migration, Arden Hills
Distance/Direction 2010 2013 Change
Less than 10 miles 6109 42.1% 5722 45.3% 3.2%
10 to 24 miles 6008 41.4% 5216 41.3% -0.1%
25 to 50 miles 1331 9.2% 1014 8.0% -1.2%
Greater than 50
miles 1075 7.4% 692 5.5% -1.9%
Ramsey County Employment by Industry
NAICS Industry
Title
Q2, 2015 Data 2013-2015 2010-2015
Number
of Firms
Number
of Jobs
Avg.
Weekly
Wages
Numeric
Change
in Jobs
Percent
Change
in Jobs
Numeric
Change
in Jobs
Percent
Change
in Jobs
Total, All
Industries 13,037 327,621 $1,079 6722 2.05% 10279 3.14%
Health Care and
Social Assistance 1,677 60,959 $899 3347 5.49% 5468 8.97%
Educational
Services 436 31,841 $1,043 -132 -0.41% 1534 4.82%
Manufacturing 663 28,158 $1,399 931 3.31% 560 1.99%
Retail Trade 1,549 26,982 $565 360 1.33% 715 2.65%
Public
Administration 428 26,126 $1,254 994 3.80% -501 -1.92%
Accommodation
and Food Services 1,059 22,954 $357 717 3.12% 1634 7.12%
12
Management of
Companies and
Enterprises
119 18,133 $2,308 1086 5.99% 1424 7.85%
Administrative and
Support and
Waste
Management and
Remediation
Services
550 17,855 $613 -1991 -11.15% -1101 -6.17%
Finance and
Insurance 642 15,956 $1,524 -229 -1.44% -2668 -16.72%
Professional,
Scientific, and
Technical Services
1,486 14,239 $1,512 742 5.21% 1265 8.88%
Wholesale Trade 670 12,710 $1,392 394 3.10% 184 1.45%
Construction 786 12,349 $1,315 1301 10.54% 2423 19.62%
Other Services
(except Public
Administration)
1,624 11,122 $674 148 1.33% 160 1.44%
Information 212 8,760 $1,406 -446 -5.09% 8760 100.00%
Transportation
and Warehousing 250 7,805 $925 -63 -0.81% -233 -2.99%
Arts,
Entertainment,
and Recreation
233 5,802 $706 209 3.60% -52 -0.90%
Real Estate and
Rental and Leasing 627 4,437 $835 52 1.17% 13 0.29%
Utilities 12 1,344 $1,716 1 0.07% 156 11.61%
Agriculture,
Forestry, Fishing
and Hunting
10 48 $530 48 N/A 48 N/A
Mining 4 35 $2,175 35 N/A 35 N/A
13
BR&E SURVEY RESULTS
Key Findings
Visit Survey
Companies in Arden Hills are generally seeing an increase in sales in the past year
This is consistent with regional and national trends and the general improvement of the
economy overall
The majority of companies targeted and visited during the BR&E program are Headquarters
Most companies perceive room for expansion at their current site
There is a healthy balance of sites that are leased vs. owned
Employment has largely remained stable in recent years
This is consistent with MN DEED Quarterly Employment Data for the City as a whole
Company’s generally anticipate adding jobs in the next year
There is opportunity for improved transportation to serve the business community
This data could be skewed due to the recent investments in transportation
infrastructure in the city
Transit is generally not used by employees in Arden Hills, however, there is an interest in
expanding transit opportunities
Companies that plan to make investments anticipate doing so within the next year
There is limited interest by companies in the City’s revolving loan fund
Companies overwhelmingly identify themselves as being located in Arden Hills vs. Saint Paul or
the Twin Cities
Follow-up Survey
The K-12 and Higher Education providers are perceived positively by the business community
There is opportunity for improved access to public transit
The overall quality of life in the City of Arden Hills is excellent
There is opportunity for improvement related to electricity and telecommunications services
These two areas are often critical to site selectors
14
Visit Survey Results
What has been the trend for company sales in the past year?
What type of facility?
Increased
Decreased
Been relatively stable
Flucuated widely
No Response
Branch
Distribution
Franchise
Headquarters
Home-based business
Manufacturing
Office-operation (non HQ)
R&D
Sales Office
15
Is there room for expansion at the site?
Is the site owned or leased?
Yes
No
Owned
Leased
16
What has happened to company employment in the past year?
What do you anticipate to happen to company employment in the next year?
Increased
Decreased
Stayed the same
Increase
Decrease
Stay the same
17
How well does transportation infrastructure serve your business?
Do your employees used transit (i.e. bus, light rail, etc.)?
Exceeds needs
Meets needs
Needs improvement
Yes
No
18
Would your employees use transit if there were increased service?
Does your company plan to make investments?
Yes
No
Unsure
Invest in new facilities
Make major equipment
purchases
Renovate/Expand current
facilities
None
No response
19
If your company plans to make investment, when do you plan to do so?
Would your company be interested in accessing the city’s revolving loan fund?
Within one year
Within two years
Within three years
Unsure
Yes
No
20
Has a representative of your company attended the State of the City event?
How do you identify the location of your business?
Yes
No
Arden Hills
Saint Paul
Twin Cities
21
What We Heard
“The city could use more sit down restaurants for employees to use over the lunch hour and after
hours.”
“It is difficult to find reliable part time help.”
“Would like to see improved bus service.”
“The new development on Red Fox Road is great, however, it is causing too much traffic.”
“We’re interested in learning more about the possible extension of the bus rapid transit line that could
connect to Downtown Saint Paul and Minneapolis.”
“The employee pool lacks technical skills.”
“We are interested in the BRT line.”
“Traffic and congestion on Red Fox Road is a problem and seems to be getting worse.”
“It sometimes takes 20 minutes to get through the lights on Red Fox Road at the end of the day.”
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Results, Follow-up Survey
Training and Education
Transportation/Location
0 5 10 15 20
Poor = 1
Below Average = 2
Fair = 3
Above Average = 4
Excellent = 5
Overall Workforce
Quality, AVG = 4.28
Customized Training
Programs, AVG = 4.17
Higher Education, AVG =
4.56
K-12, AVG = 4.83
0 5 10 15
Poor = 1
Below Average = 2
Fair = 3
Above Average = 4
Excellent = 5
Proximity to Suppliers,
AVG = 4.56
Air Service, AVG = 4.61
Highway Infrastructure,
AVG = 4.33
Public Transportation,
AVG = 2.83
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Quality of Life
Local Access to Capital
0 5 10 15
Poor = 1
Below Average = 2
Fair = 3
Above Average = 4
Excellent = 5
Housing Supply for
Workforce, AVG = 4.56
Social Organizations and
Networks, AVG = 4.65
Crime Rate, AVG = 4.50
Cultural Opportunities,
AVG = 4.72
Recreational
Opportunities, AVG = 4.78
0 2 4 6 8 10
Poor = 1
Below Average = 2
Fair = 3
Above Average = 4
Excellent = 5
Assistance from local
governments and/or non-
profits, AVG = 4.25
Lending by local financial
institutions, AVG = 4.06
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Local Government
Utilities
0 2 4 6 8 10
Poor = 1
Below Average = 2
Fair = 3
Above Average = 4
Excellent = 5
Local Fees, AVG = 4.28
Local Taxes, AVG = 4.11
Permitting/Zoning, AVG =
3.94
Attitude towards
business, AVG = 4.17
0 2 4 6 8 10
Poor = 1
Below Average = 2
Fair = 3
Above Average = 4
Excellent = 5
Electric Reliability, AVG =
4.39
Electric Rates, AVG = 3.83
Telecommunications/Broa
dband Rates, AVG = 3.56
Telecommunications/Broa
dband Service, AVG = 3.94
25
CONTACT INFORMATION
Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce
401 North Robert Street, Suite 150
Saint Paul, MN 55101
651.223.5000
www.saintpaulchamber.com
Jonathan Weinhagen Matt Kramer
Vice President President/CEO
651.265.2770 651.265.2771
jonathan@saintpaulchamber.com matt@saintpaulchamber.com
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APPENDIX A – BR&E SURVEY REPORTING FORM
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
27
Business Retention & Expansion Survey
28
City of Arden Hills Survey Reporting Form (rev 2.23.15)
COMPANY NAME/CONTACT INFORMATION
Company Contact:
Company:
Parent Company:
County:
City:
OVERVIEW INFORMATION
Visit Date:
Interview Name:
Interviewer Email Address:
Organization Type (select one):
City
County
Chamber
MNSCU
Port Authority
BSR
Non Profit
Other
BUSINESS DETAILS
Primary Business Sector (select one):
Accommodation/Food Services
Administration/Support/Waste Management/Remediation Services
Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing/Hunting
Arts/Entertainment/Recreation
Construction
Educational Services
Finance/Insurance
Health Care/Social Assistance
Information
Management of Companies & Enterprises
Manufacturing
Manufacturing - Food/Candy
Mining
Professional/Scientific/Technical Services
Real Estate/Rental and Leasing
Retail Trade
Transportation/Warehousing
Utilities
Wholesale Trade
Non Profit
Other
Primary Sector Other:
29
Does Company have a succession plan? YES NO
Has the company ownership changed? YES NO
Or is change imminent? YES NO
Explanation:
Over the past year, have company sales (select one):
Increased
Decreased
Been relatively stable
Fluctuated widely
Not identified
FACILITIES
Type of facility (select all that apply):
Branch
Distribution
Franchise
Headquarters
Home-based business
Manufacturing
Office-operation (non HQ)
R&D
Sales Office
Is there room for expansion at site? YES NO
Is this facility owned or leased? Owned Leased
PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Company’s major products/services:
Has this company introduced new products? YES NO
Briefly describe new products:
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE
Number of Full Time Employees at facility:
Number of jobs at this facility changed (select one):
Increased
30
Decreased
Stayed the same
If increased, was it hard to fill jobs? YES NO
Why are openings hard to fill? (select all that apply):
Poor work ethic
Lack of basic education
Lack of technical skills
Lack of candidates
Challenging location
Competition
Other
Expect the number of jobs at facility (select one):
Increase
Decrease
Be relatively stable
Unsure
Types of jobs do you expect to hire:
Anticipate need to train employees: YES NO
What kind of training will be needed?
TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION
How well does existing transportation infrastructure serve your business (select one)?
Exceeds needs
Meets needs
Needs improvement
Please explain:
Do your employees use transit (i.e. bus/rail) ? YES NO
Do you think more employees would use transit if it were more readily available? YES NO
MARKET INFORMATION
Company’s primary market (select one):
International
United States
Midwest (including MN)
Minnesota
Local
Not identified
31
Company’s fastest growing geographic market (select one):
International
United States
Midwest (including MN)
Minnesota
Local
Not identified
Does this company export? YES NO
If so, where (select all that apply):
Africa & Middle East
Canada
Europe & Russia
Greater China
India, Pakistan, Central/South Asia
Japan & Korea
Southeast Asia
Australia & Pacific Oceania
Latin America & Caribbean
Mexico
Not Identified
Interested in learning about exporting? YES NO
Percent of sales outside US?
INVESTMENT PLAN
Does this company plan to (check all that apply)
Invest in new facilities
Make major equipment purchases
Renovate/Expand current facilities
None
Not identified
Please explain:
Approximate date of investment (select one):
Within one year
Within two years
Within three years
Unsure
If investing in new location, why (select all that apply)?
Access to labor
Access to markets
Environmental permit obstacles
High state taxes
High local taxes